April R2R Athlete Profile: Brandon Meeks
April 7, 2016When did you join R2R?
January 2016
Why did you join?
I started CrossFit while working in Hopkinsville. Upon relocating to Paducah, I was heavily into
cycling and wasn’t attending CrossFit regularly and we had a wellness center on site at work so I
decided not to pursue CrossFit. Once the wellness center was shut down in Nov. 2015, I quickly
realized with winter cycling at a minimum and no gym, I had to do something. After considering
my options for gyms and trying out a couple, I was drawn back to CrossFit. Based on
recommendations and personal experience, I decided to give R2R/ CrossFit Paducah a try.
What Changes have you noticed since starting?
Initially I started with plans to get some winter training in and stop once spring arrived and I
could get back on the bike every afternoon. The changes I have experienced have driven me to
adjust that plan. Through the help of the coaches at R2R, I have become more efficient with
movements, completed some things I never thought I’d be doing and become more aware of
the importance of nutrition. All of this has led to increased physical and mental endurance,
increased strength, and positive change in physical appearance.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about joining?
I would advise anyone considering improving their health and fitness to come see what R2R has
to offer. Believe it or not, it’s ABSOLUTELY FREE to walk through the door. Come in, talk to
coaches and athletes, have a look around and see what options are available. R2R has programs
that fit every physical condition and body type. It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling to get off
the couch or walking across the gym on your hands, there is something for you at R2R. I would
also advise anyone who is serious about improvement to put nutrition at the top of their list of
goals. The coaches and many athletes at R2R have a wealth of knowledge to help set and
achieve those goals.
What is your favorite WOD?
I don’t really have a favorite WOD. Coming from a cycling background and using CrossFit as
training for cycling, I like anything that has heavy weight, cardio, and is long. I prefer endurance
over sprints!
What is your favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Cycling. If I’m not at work or CrossFit and it’s nice out, I’m usually on the bike either with the
cycling club, team, or family.
What is your proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
If you had asked me a week ago, I’d say managing almost 2 rounds of double unders in 16.2
without totally sucking. Now that 16.3 is in the books, I can say I’ve never felt accomplishment
in the gym like I did getting my first few bar muscle ups. Participating in the Open has been a
great way to push myself to accomplish things I’ve never done well or in some cases, at all.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
I haven’t been eating healthy for very long and I still struggle to prep food and eat the “right
things” on a daily basis. One of my favorite meals which also happens to be healthy (I think) is
grilled chicken with baked or grilled zucchini and squash and a little sweet potato.
Who/ what inspires you the most?
My daughters inspire me. Knowing they are watching my activities and what I eat drives me to
set a standard that will provide them with the desire to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Having my 4 year old ask if/ when she can go to CrossFit and watching my 18 month old do
squats and burpees because she saw daddy doing them gives confirmation that they are
watching what I do and even at this age, can affect how they approach challenges for the rest of
their lives.
